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Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

U.S. Forest Service - Black Hills National Forest

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U.S. Forest Service - Black Hills National Forest

The Black Hills National Forest page is a combined effort of the National Forest Foundation and the USDA Forest Service.

The National Forest Foundation, chartered by Congress, engages Americans in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System, administers private gifts of funds and land for the benefit of the National Forests. http://www.nationalforests.org/

The Forest Service manages a system of 155 national forests, 20 national grasslands, and 222 research and experimental forests, as well as other special areas, covering more than 192 million acres of public land. The Forest Service has evolved into a 30,000 employee agency that manages the national forests for a number of multiple uses, including recreation, timber, wilderness, minerals, water, grazing, fish, and wildlife.

10/12/2026

The Black Hills National Forest offices are closed today, October 12th, for the federal holiday. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, October 13th at 8am

10/08/2026

Summer may be over, but autumn is the perfect time to take advantage of off-season camping! Enjoy reduced fees, cooler nights, and solitude as the Black Hills show off their fall colors. Campground amenities like trash and potable water are limited, be aware of what is open and available before you go.

Seasonal campground information is updated on the Black Hills National Forest Website https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/recreation/season-campground-information

Scan and Pay is available at our campgrounds with fees. Download the recreation.gov app on your iOS or Android device before you go and scan the QR code at the campground to pay online with a credit card. https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app

10/07/2026

The Schenk prescribed fire has been CANCELLED due to weather conditions falling outside the approved prescription. This deliberate decision was made because current conditions would prevent us from meeting our operational objectives. We will continue to monitor the forecast and will reschedule when conditions support safe and effective implementation.

10/06/2026

The Black Hills National Forest welcomes Benjamin “Ben” Goodin from the Fremont-Winema National Forest as the new acting Forest Supervisor. Shawn Cochran will be in a temporary promotion off Forest during this time.

Ben Goodin is the Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Fremont-Winema National Forest and brings more than 25 years of Forest Service experience to the Black Hills. Ben is committed to high-performing teams, strong partnership, and innovative, proactive land management and looks forward to bringing this leadership approach to a new Forest. He will continue advancing the Black Hills National Forest’s active management priorities and supporting staff and partners through this temporary assignment.

Ben enjoys snow skiing, weight training, and woodworking in his spare time. He and his wife are the proud parents of two young adult daughters.

10/05/2026

Update: The Schenk prescribed fire has been CANCELLED due to weather conditions falling outside the approved prescription. This deliberate decision was made because current conditions would prevent us from meeting our operational objectives. We will continue to monitor the forecast and will reschedule when conditions support safe and effective implementation.

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The Schenk prescribed fire is planned for Thursday, October 8, pending all required approvals. Operations will not commence unless conditions are favorable to implement this burn safely and effectively. The Schenk project is located roughly 5 miles southwest of Jewel Cave National Monument. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/newsroom/releases/prescribed-fire-notification

10/02/2026

Temporary Closure for Pactola North Boat Ramp Begins October 5

For everyone’s safety, the Black Hills National Forest will temporarily close the Pactola North Boat Ramp beginning October 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The closure will remain in effect until January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m., unless lifted earlier.

Construction crews will be working throughout the area, and the closure is necessary to prevent injury or harm to visitors while heavy equipment and active work zones are present. Forest Service staff have already been educating visitors about the hazards, but a full closure is required to ensure public safety.

Signs and maps will be posted near the campground and trail during the closure.

The Forest is committed to reopening the area as soon as construction is complete.

For more information, please contact the Black Hills National Forest at (605) 673 9200 or visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills

09/25/2026

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will remain in effect on all National Forest lands in the Bearlodge and Hell Canyon Ranger Districts on the Black Hills National Forest in the State of Wyoming beginning 12:00 p.m., September 24, 2026. This order supersedes BKF-194-2026 prohibiting the same or similar acts in both Wyoming and South Dakota.

National Forest lands in South Dakota will return to Stage 1 restrictions when this order takes effect.

For more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/alerts/stage-2-fire-restrictions-black-hills-nf-wyoming

09/14/2026

Update 9/14/26 at 8:30 am: Forward progress has been stopped with the fire mapped at 12.2 acres.
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Resources have responded to the Beretta Road fire in the Central Black Hills. Resources include engines, crews, a dozer, and aircraft.

Beretta Road is currently closed. The fire is estimated at 10 acres and is burning in grass and timber with moderate spread potential. A fire investigator has been ordered.

09/03/2026

WE'RE HIRING!

Dates to Apply: 9/3/2026 - 9/9/2026
Apply now through www.USAJobs.gov

The Black Hills NF is currently hiring:
GS 11/12 Archaeologist (permanent)
1 position in Custer, SD
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/883345200

Archaeologists work to identify, evaluate, and preserve historical, cultural, and pre-contact resources on national forest lands while balancing sustainable land management and project needs. They are a vital member of the Heritage Resources Program as one of the primary resource consultants for program managers before work can commence.

08/19/2026

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The Black Hills National Forest is seeking nominees for the Black Hills Resource Advisory Committee (RAC).

We’re looking for South Dakota residents— including citizens, locally elected officials, Tribal representatives, and special interest group representatives —to serve on this important committee.

Applications are due Sept. 11, 2026 at the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Custer, SD.

The RAC recommends projects funded through Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Self Determination Act, supporting fish and wildlife habitat, natural resource restoration, and community benefit projects on or near the Forest.

New members will serve four year terms and represent one of three categories:
• Community and industry interests
• Environmental and recreation organizations
• Elected officials, Tribal representatives, educators, and the public-at-large

How to Apply:
Submit a completed AD 755 form and a resume to:
Black Hills National Forest, Attn: Todd Butler
1019 N. Fifth Street, Custer, SD 57730
Or email: [email protected]

The AD 755 form is available at:https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755-advisory-committee-commodity-board-background-information.pdf

For questions, contact Todd Butler at [email protected] or 605-673-9301.

Learn more about the Black Hills National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills.

Address

1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD
57730

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16056739200

Website

http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills, https://twitter.com/BlackHillsNF

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